Jaw surgery, or orthognathic surgery, is often performed when the upper and lower arches do not align properly. Having a misaligned bite can lead to several problems, including a self-consciousness about your smile. Dr. Mo Banki and Dr. Frank Paletta of [practice_namt] want you to feel comfortable and confident in your smile. When you visit our practice, our team will help you know if you may benefit from jaw surgery.
If your oral health and function is affected by issues with your jaw that cannot be addressed through more conservative treatments, we may recommend an orthognathic surgery, also known as jaw surgery. This treatment can be used to address abnormalities in the facial bones, jaws or teeth that are causing difficulties for your everyday activities, such as eating, sleeping, speaking or chewing. The results are not only an improved facial appearance but also increased oral function and comfort.
How Do I Know if I Need Orthognathic Surgery?
Patients who stand to benefit the most from orthognathic surgery are those whose jaws or bite are improperly aligned, causing long-term problems for their oral health and appearance. There are multiple reasons why a patient’s jaw may be positioned incorrectly. Since jaw growth is a gradual process, a patient’s upper jaw can occasionally grow faster than their lower jaw, or vice versa. A misaligned jaw may also be the result hereditary or environmental circumstances, such as a birth defect or traumatic injury to the face. Although orthodontic treatment can address some bite problems involving the teeth alone, orthognathic surgery may be required if the jaws themselves need to be repositioned.
You may be a candidate for orthognathic surgery if you experience any of the following:
- An open bite
- A protruding jaw
- Speech problems
- Difficulty breathing correctly
- Chronic jaw pain or TMJ issues
- Difficulty biting, chewing or swallowing
When you visit our office for your orthognathic consultation, our oral surgeons will begin by performing a complete examination of your mouth, jaws and facial structures, including full X-rays. There will also be plenty of time for our team to answer any questions you may have regarding your potential treatment options. Together, you and the doctors you are working with will create a treatment plan designed to address your specific needs and goals.
You can schedule your consultation by calling our team today.
Our State-of-the-Art Surgical Facility
Our highly trained oral surgeons, Dr. Banki and Dr. Paletta, can offer modern oral surgery using cutting-edge technology. Our CT scanner and in-house anesthesia are here to make your visit more comfortable and convenient, and our team will use comprehensive X-rays and 3D imaging to design your treatment plan and show you the predicted outcomes of your surgery. Our goal is to help you fully understand your surgery before we begin treatment. Our team will also work closely with your general dentist or orthodontist to ensure you leave our office with a more beautiful and better functioning smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will insurance cover the cost of my surgery?
- A: As long as your surgery is considered medically necessary, we find that most insurance companies will consider covering jaw surgery. To be on the safe side, our team will pre-authorize your treatment to give you the most accurate prediction of your coverage and personal cost that we can.
- If for any reason your insurance does not cover the cost of surgery, or if you have a remaining copay, we work with CareCredit® and will help find a financial plan that works for your budget. You can learn more about our financial options here.
Q: How long will my surgery take?
- A: The length of your surgery will depend on your specific needs and any complications that arise. The maximum length of jaw surgery is typically six hours.
Q: Is the surgery painful?
- A: We offer in-house anesthesia during your procedure and will ensure the entire process is completely comfortable. Though some patients find it uncomfortable to be wired together after their surgery, it is not painful.
Q: How will I feel after surgery?
- A: Most patients experience swelling and some bruising after their surgery. This will likely be uncomfortable, but liquid painkillers can make the experience more tolerable. By your second week, you should begin to return to normal.
Q: Can I still breath through my mouth when my jaws are wired together?
- A: Yes.
Q: How long will I be wired together?
- A: Not all patients will require being wired together after their surgery. For those that do, the wires will be removed after three weeks, if not sooner. Our oral surgeons will discuss this recovery technique with you before treatment to help determine whether it is the right choice for you.
Q: What if I become nauseous while wired together?
- A: Nausea-induced vomited is rare for patients discharged from the hospital, but in the unlikely case that you are sick while wired together, the experience, though unpleasant, is not life threatening. Remember: if it went in through the wires, if can come back out through the wires.
Q: How long will I need someone with me while recovering?
- A: You should only need assistance during the first week of recover.
Q: How long will I need to stay in the hospital post-surgery?
- A: One to two days.
Nutrition & Home Care After Jaw Surgery
It is important to maintain a healthy diet after your surgery and to make sure you are staying hydrated throughout, especially during the first one to two days after treatment. In order to replace fluids lost during surgery, the only alternative to drinking water is an intravenous line (IV). Insurance will not reimburse the cost of IV fluids.
Remember:
- No nose blowing for you two weeks after upper jaw surgery.
- Keep a two-hour suction rotation, except while sleeping.
- Make sure you get two liters of liquid and 2000 calories a day.
Dietary supplements, such as Ensure, Boost or Gatorade, can add can help with the healing process. You will also be given a suction machine and instructions on use to use to be returned on your third follow-up visit to our office. Afrin, saline spray and nasal decongestants can also be useful, and our team will provide detailed instructions on how to ensure your recovery is as quick and comfortable as possible.
If you have any questions not addressed here, please feel free to reach out to our office. Our oral surgeons and team are always happy to help.